Cassano Spinola between the Roman Bridge, Churches and the Scrivia Valley

If, during your trip to Italy, you would like to discover a place with Roman traces, historic religious buildings, scenic routes and regional specialities, Cassano Spinola offers several very different points of interest. Culture enthusiasts will encounter bridge remains, churches and palazzi, while paths through the Merlaro Valley, along the river environment and to Colle dello “zucchero” draw the eye to the landscape.

Roman Traces and Historic Buildings

The remains of the Roman bridge of Cassano Spinola are located in the hamlet of S. Bartolomeo. They were part of the Via Postumia, which was laid out in 148 BC by Spurius Postumius Albinus. Other preserved remains of the Roman bridge over the Torrente Scrivia consist of two piers in the riverbed made of regularly hewn stone blocks, a triangular upstream icebreaker and a three-sided downstream spur.

The Castello di Cassano Spinola dates back to the 10th century and originally belonged to the De Cassano family. The Parrocchiale di San Pietro originated between the 5th and 7th centuries and at that time served as a pieve. This church also houses the painting “Gesù che consegna le chiavi a S. Pietro”, attributed to Rosa Bacigalupo.

The Museo Casa di Don Carlo Sterpi is located in the birthplace of Don Carlo Sterpi and preserves evidence of his presence. It therefore complements the historic buildings with a personal connection directly linked to the town.

Palazzo Millelire has been documented since 1608. That year, it was considered a house with a portico belonging to Lazzaro Spinola. In 1624, the palazzo was extensively remodelled, acquiring the forms and architectural features typical of 17th-century Genoese palaces.

Paths between Valley, Water and Open Spaces

On clear days, Belvedere San Martino offers views across the plain of Alessandria as far as the Alpine arc. The circular route through the Merlaro Valley follows cultivated land and lavender fields before returning to the town. The two places offer different highlights: here, the wide landscape views take centre stage, while there, the route through agriculturally shaped areas is the focus.

The section of the cycling and walking path between Villalvernia and Cassano Spinola allows visitors to observe all the habitats of the river environment. The route also reaches the aqueduct of Cassano Spinola. There, reed beds and dense vegetation provide opportunities for observing waterbirds. Those who wish to experience the landscape not merely as a backdrop but also through its habitats will find a particularly concrete connection to the surroundings here.

The path to Colle dello “zucchero” leads along the edge of a small oak wood to a clearing. A rest area is provided there, along with views of the landscape and the Scrivia Valley. For your planning, this makes it possible to mentally combine short stays at viewpoints with longer routes through valleys, woodland and riverside areas, without equating the individual routes.

Music and Local Specialities

Gavazzana Blues promotes musical activities in cooperation with the municipality of Cassano Spinola. For these activities, Gavazzana Blues uses the Museo Casa di Don Carlo Sterpi, the stage in Piazzetta del Collegio and the stage at Belvedere San Martino. Culture therefore appears here not only in buildings and collections, but also in various venues throughout the town.

The culinary side can also be explored through specific names. At Le Antiche Tradizioni at Via Arzani 5, 15063 Cassano Spinola, the dessert “Dolce di Cassano” is offered. Casau casau are a sweet speciality associated with Cassano Spinola. In the Novese area, Bacioni are also associated with Cassano. The Sagra del Pesce e del Cortese is a traditional tourist initiative associated with Gavazzana.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to visit other places in addition to Cassano Spinola, these destinations will lead you to further regional impressions: Silvano D'orba, Cassinelle, Montecapraro, Melazzo, Lerma, Castelnuovo Bormida, Gavi and Mombello Monferrato.

For the overarching travel overview: Alessandria.